On a wonderful Saturday morning we woke up on the Sea Cloud as she anchored right in front of the Old Town of Dubrovnik, often called the “Pearl of the Adriatic.” Dubrovnik is a magnificent city, surrounded by ancient 13th-century fortification walls. We needed to spend our one-day stay wisely, so early in the morning some of us joined a tour of the city walls, while the rest enjoyed the views from the ship. Later we went to the nearby island of Lokrum, all in attempt to avoid crowds in Dubrovnik. And we succeeded! Some of us toured the "cursed" island, seeing the remains of an 11th-century Benedictine monastery and a botanical garden, while the others went on a hike to Fort Royal, that offered a spectacular view of the town and our ship. Later in the day we joined a walking tour of the Old Town itself and were introduced to the history and culture of the small, but incredibly progressive maritime republic that was in existence until the 10th century. And as a cherry on the top was a klapa performance in the cloister of the 14th-century Dominican monastery. A group of men singing local songs in the traditional a cappella way, was a good introduction into an evening out in Dubrovnik.
9/20/2024
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Sea Cloud
Kotorfjord, Montenegro
Sailing into Kotor, Montenegro is a breathtaking experience. As the ship glides through the narrow fjord-like Bay of Kotor, the towering mountains embrace the crystal-clear waters, creating a majestic natural amphitheater. The medieval town of Kotor slowly emerges, its ancient stone walls and red-tiled roofs a striking contrast against the lush green mountainsides. The air is filled with the scent of saltwater and pine trees, as the ship docks in the charming harbor. A short boat ride from Kotor leads to Gospa od Škrpjela (Our Lady of the Rocks), a tiny, man-made island steeped in legend. The island, crowned by a beautiful Catholic church, is said to have been created by sailors who laid stones in the water to honor an icon of the Virgin Mary. The church’s interior dazzles with intricate paintings and silver votive plaques, each one a token of gratitude for answered prayers. Surrounding the island is the calm, sapphire sea, reflecting the sun’s rays and the grandeur of the surrounding mountains. Visiting Gospa od Škrpjela offers a serene, spiritual pause, enhancing the timeless beauty of Montenegro’s Bay of Kotor.